Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government is implementing effective strategies to enhance business activities and streamline the ease of doing business. According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister addressed a delegation of prominent industrialists and business leaders in Islamabad, emphasizing the government’s commitment to reducing energy costs and optimizing trade facilitation through the newly established Trade Facilitation Board.

The Prime Minister highlighted the introduction of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, designed to provide a one-window platform for investors, and described ongoing efforts to simplify regulatory processes through a regulatory guillotine. Significant progress has been made in the digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue, which successfully collected 800 billion rupees in the last fiscal year through enforcement measures.

Sharif noted the country’s improved macroeconomic situation due to government reforms, though he underscored the need for further microeconomic efforts to benefit the wider population. The government is concentrating on skills development tailored to industry needs and has directed relevant authorities to consider extending super tax exemptions for exporters.

The delegation received updates on infrastructure enhancements, including reduced port charges and improved operational capacity, alongside plans to upgrade the Motorway M-10, the Pipri Freight Corridor, and the construction of Motorway M-13. The business leaders were informed of a record increase in IT exports and the government’s initiative to train one million individuals in IT and artificial intelligence.

The business community expressed appreciation for macroeconomic stability improvements and the government’s economic reforms, including the Export Development Fund and FBR digitization. They acknowledged Pakistan’s successful bond issuance and affirmed their ongoing partnership with the government in fostering export-led growth. Business leaders praised the government’s privatization policies and its role in regional peace under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other key officials.